Zaha Shines Bright As Palace Fall to New Depths

Some of our players ought to hang their heads in shame, the performances against Arsenal and Swansea City were diabolical. Only one man is deserving of his place in the starting eleven at the moment and he’s off to the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) for a month.

And no, I don’t mean Bakary Sako.

Big Sam has got a big job on his hands if he is to keep this team in the Premier League. I still believe it can be done but the whole team is devoid of any motivation. The defeat to Swansea City was the worst performance I have seen since the Ian Holloway days of Premier League football.

I’m reluctant to write more because little else needs saying. However, I have one final thing to say.

Wilfried Zaha.

Despite everything, he has been our one saving grace. Singlehandedly rescuing us on more than one occasion, gaining points and always putting in more than 100%. The lad is never given a chance by the officials, constantly fouled and rewarded with unfair cards for simulation.

He has been incorrectly accused of diving by opposing fans and pundits alike and never rewarded for the sheer delight he provides us. He’s the only player in this squad who consistently plays for the club, not for the pay packet. Quite frankly, he is a hero and a superb ambassador for the club.

Overlooked completely unfairly by England managers for years, instead of watching overpaid prema-donnas with not a minute of club game time taking his rightful place in the national team, forcing him out to his second choice national side. Even when he got his dream transfer to Manchester United he was consistently overlooked and treated awfully. This much on a young lad must be so difficult to handle, and yet, handle it he has.

I look up to him, admire him, adore him. Thank you Wilf, this whole club owes you so much, and I know everyone wants you to succeed at the AFCON, but come back soon, we are really going to need you!

To you, the Palace fans. We have been through so much, the rollercoaster has never been longer and more devoid of enjoyment than this, but continue to do your bit. You’re the life and soul of this club, the twelfth man. Sure, things haven’t gone our way, for over a year now, but brighter times are ahead. Someday, somehow, we will get there. We will always be South London’s Number One.

I hope to be back in a couple of weeks with something more positive to talk about should we get some more points under our belt. Thanks for reading.

Jamie Lawrence

Jamie is a University of Derby student from Essex. Despite the geographical spread, he has been a fan since the age of eight and follows the club through thick and thin. While enjoying the recent success, he knows heartbreak is never more than a second away!